Class Notes

Kathleen reports that the fog and cold are rolling in here in Fredericksburg. At least we no longer have to lumber around at ole “MWC” taking exams in January! Speaking of milestones, I hear “Life begins at 80!” So – classmates of 1962, Happy 80th Birthday!
In sunny autumn, Joan Akers Rothgeb and I tried to share notes as she joined me in my Northern Neck family home. We also had a great time catching fish off my pier, cleaning and cooking them fresh for dinner! Joan is happy to say that her daughter Shannon Rothgeb Powell ’92 has been elected to the Nelson County School Board.
My olderst daughter, Amy Lisagor Burcher, has just accepted a new job as minister of music in historical Ferry Farm Baptist here in town. It is like coming home again. Come for a visit!
Joan’s junior year roommate Molly Buston McGirth, a med-tech graduate of MCV, now lives in Asheville, N.C. near three children. Her husband, a pastor, is very ill. We send prayers.
Donna Floyd Parker, who has remained in Atlanta since Scott died, just moved to Salem, Va. to be near her sister and her beloved mountains again.
Louise Couch Girvin is happy to report her grandson Jonathan has been accepted as a physician’s assistant student into University of Kentucky. He has logged in many hours as an EMT.
Betsy Carper Cole is in the process of joining her son to live in Pawley’s Island, S.C. Her grandson is now enrolled in U.Va.
Myrtle Lee Dean France writes she had a wonderful visit last summer with Georgianne Maloy Hull and her husband in Staunton. The Maloys were delighted their grandson was performing in the Sound of Music Festival at “Wintergreen.” Georgianne, Myrtle Lee, and Joan attended a lovely luncheon hosted by Emily Lewis at her home on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Also present were Betty Stewart Kienast and Maggie Walker MacAllister.
Blessings to Pat Barrack Gibson who had emergency surgery in November for a life-threatening gangrenous gallbladder. While she was recuperating with a tummy tube Merv had to take on a nursing role and cooking!
In May Nancy Cheek Mitchell’s grandson graduated from VMI where his grandfather Bob had been a star football player. Nancy still keeps up with Mary Ann Sills Marks and Linda Lee Waddell Dalkin.
Our hearts reach out to Carolyn Powell Piotrowski whose husband recently died. He was employed by NASA in D.C. Our sincere sympathies to the families of classmates: Barbaara Hauser Scott, Karen McCauley Hosteller, Kristine McElroy Kelly, and Melinda Luck Shepardson.
Speaking of exciting sentimental times, our oldest UMW dormitory (Willard Hall 1911) has been renovated to the tune of 19.3 million, taking on the appearance and glory of the 1911 staircase and modern media lounges. Just come and see!
On a sad note the UMW Philharmonic almost 50 years old will come to a close as we have known it. Under the marvelous director Kevin Bartram, great performers have been guests in our community. Just recall Mrs. Anne Hamer, the humble and talented UMW piano teacher and Music Dept. chairman who performed at 90 years old on cello in Carnegie Hall with this devoted and amazing group!
On a high note our beloved Dr. William Crawley’s “Great Lives Series,” with lectures by experts, has returned to Dodd Auditorium this year, free for you to attend! 540-654-1065. Twenty nights are scheduled with book signings available.
May you be blessed with family and friends making treasured memories!
Ladies, please try to keep the news and new addresses coming in writing!